A 74-year-old woman died Friday morning when the home she was in caught fire.

Washington Fire Department firefighters went to 609 East Washington St. around 4:20 a.m. after receiving multiple calls reporting the fire. Callers told dispatchers flames had fully engulfed the top level of the home. It took firefighters half an hour to get the fire under control.

Gladys Beenblossom died at the scene. She had lived in the home since she first moved into it in 1969. She raised five kids by herself there. One of her daughters, Tammy Starr, said her mother was well liked in the community and she always saw the best in people.

"She would never want us to be sad. She's always wanting people to be happy and make the best of it," she said.

In the last six months, Starr has lost her uncle, her brother, her father, and now her mother.

"I'm being tested apparently but we'll survive through family and friends. It's hard. I still think this is just a nightmare that I can't wake up from," she said.

Gladys' brother left the house on his way to work shortly before the fire started.

Washington's fire chief said a space heater was found in the house but it isn't clear what started the fire. He says it doesn't appear to be suspicious and the state fire marshal's investigation is still ongoing.

Personnel from the Ainsworth Fire Department, the Washington Police Department, Washington County Ambulance, the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Alliant Energy all responded to the fire.